A new service, available through Business Link, has been launched to help forge stronger relationships between small businesses and banks.

Nick Palin, director of finance at the Forum of Private Business, says: “The lack of availability of credit remains a concern and the cost of finance is still high. Many small firms are being rejected simply because of their size or industry sector.

“The Business Link financial intermediary service is a welcome step towards helping banks re-engage with their small business customers.

“We are calling on the banks to get behind this initiative publicly so that viable yet struggling business owners are encouraged to explore the help that is available.”